Biggest contract in total dollars for a closer. Nathan at 4 years, $47MM and BJ Ryan at $47MM for 5 years are tied for 2d (and we know how those worked out). Highest AAV is Mo's 3 year contract at $15MM per, but Pap's is tied with Lidge's 3 year for 2d highest. Kudos to Papelbon for sticking to what he said he'd do all along. I don't think anyone saw him making this kind of money off of last year.

Now let's all root for the saber geeks to be right and have him prove no closer should be paid this much!

I will happily take the Nationals side of season winning percentage if you will accept a gift card for the value of the Pepsi 24 pack. I don't want to lug one of those things to a game. In case of draw, all bets are off.